The treasure and treats of shopping through the decades
Shopping has always been a vibrant part of life in North Yorkshire, and the January sales being a modern twist to a tradition steeped in community spirit.
Decades ago, market squares and high streets buzzed with activity as people sought essentials, treats and treasures to share with their loved ones.
Historic photographs from the early 20th century reveal bustling markets and shopfronts, where every purchase was tied to a story.
In Ripon, the Market Square was not only a hub for local traders but also home to an extraordinary toyshop opened by Belgian refugees during World War I. Known for their craftsmanship, these newcomers created exquisite wooden toys, including detailed Noah’s Arks, that became cherished gifts for generations of children.
Elsewhere in North Yorkshire, market stalls brimmed with handmade goods, fresh produce, and specialty items. Shoppers filled the streets of Scarborough, Masham, and Harrogate, creating a lively atmosphere that turned everyday errands into social events.
Today, projects like Ripon Re-Viewed, curated by Ripon Civic Society and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, keep these memories alive.
There are more than 6,500 archive images available at the County Record Office – where you can browse the collection or buy photos.
If you have any further information about any of the images on this page, our archivists would be keen to hear about it. Please email yny@northyorks.gov.uk
‘The Pantheon’ in James St, Harrogate, 1870, established by Isaac Greenbury of Whitby. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Baker’s shop, Westborough, Scarborough. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Etherington’s draper’s shop, 1 Market Place, Ripon – this site now occupied by the Skipton Building Society. This image is part of the Ripon Re-Viewed collection created by Ripon Civic Society and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
Music for All records shop in Ripon run by the I’Anson brothers. This image is part of the Ripon Re-Viewed collection created by Ripon Civic Society and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
Sue Darnborough’s clothes shop in Masham, 1950s-60s. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Inside Proctor Brothers’ stationer’s shop in Harrogate, c.1920. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Large crowd outside Proctor Brothers, Oxford Street, for Harrogate Shopping Carnival 1922. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Shops in James Street, Harrogate, 1970. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Belgian Refugees who were welcomed to Ripon during World War I, opened a toyshop on the Market Square in Ripon, selling their handmade wooden toys – Noah’s Ark and animals being a favourite! This image is part of the Ripon Re-Viewed collection created by Ripon Civic Society and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
The fish, game and poultry shop of Joseph Windsor, North Street, Ripon. This image is part of the Ripon Re-Viewed collection created by Ripon Civic Society and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).